Third Test: Rain delays third day’s start of play

St. Lucia, Aug 11 (IANS) A thunderstorm and heavy downpour early on Thursday delayed the start of third day’s play of the third Test between India and West Indies at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium at Gros Islet in this picturesque island state.

“The start of third day’s play of the third Test between WIvIND Test has been delayed due to rain,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted.

The West Indies were to resume their first innings from the overnight 107/1 in 47 overs, with opener Kraigg Brathwaite (53) and one-down Darren Bravo (18) at the crease.

Though rain appeared to have stopped when the match was to begin at 10 a.m. (local time) and 7:30 p.m. IST, the ground around the stadium was flooded with water that will take time to dry up.

While the pitch has been covered, the outfield was damp when umpires Nigel Llong (England) and Rod Tucker (Australia) walked up to have a word with grounds men.

“There will be an official inspection of the ground during the scheduled lunch break and play may begin in the second session if no further rain,” a stadium official said.

Replying to India’s 353 all out on Wednesday, West Indies began their first innings on the second day in the post-lunch session, with Brathwaite and Leon Johnson being cautious of the Indian seam bowling in windy conditions.

India, however, got a breakthrough in the 24th over when Johnson was run out for 23 in 75 balls by a quick throw at the bowling end by Lokesh Rahul when Windies were 59 for no loss.

Earlier, Indian middle order stars Ravichandran Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha hit centuries in the post-lunch session before the Windies packed off the tail-enders for a paltry 37 runs.